There are signs everywhere that spring is lurking behind the corner. Temperatures have been unseasonably mild forcing daffodils to bloom and cherry blossoms to burst. People are trading their puffer coats for, well, puffer vests. And when feeling especially defiant, restaurants are serving patrons at outdoor tables. In winter. In Maryland. Sure, it’s a day here or there. But it’s coming. Spring is coming. 

And what better place to spend some of these mild days that we’ll soon be able to string together into weeks then at the Annapolis Town Center. Have you heard what’s cooking over there? Well, if you’re still emerging from hibernation, let me give you five reasons to head there this spring.

Spring at ATC

Courtesy of Mariner Bay Instagram.

Community Gathering Green Space

There are quite a few additions of green space promoting a sense of community at the Town Center. Come for an afternoon or evening, grab a bite or a coffee, and relax in the comfortable seating around a fire pit. After you take some photos in front of the new murals, let the kids run around and burn off some energy. Then spread out under the stars and search for the Big and Little Dippers. I suspect it will be hard to grab a seat once these new additions catch on.

Spring at ATC

Afternoon Tea with Alice

I’ve always been intrigued by Alice in Wonderland, ever since it was the theme of my fourth grade play. Whether you come to meet Alice, sip tea, partake in the crafts or all of the above, this event is sure to excite everyone. Two seatings are available on April 4th. Get your tickets now!

Spring at ATC

Visit the Bunny Bungalow

The Easter Bunny is coming to town! Better hop to it and come see him (or is it her?) between March 26 – April 11. You can reserve your time or just walk in with the kids for a photo with the furry one.

Spring at ATC

Here a Pop Up Shop

Here a Pop Up Shop literally pops up all over Annapolis, and if you haven’t been to it, you MUST visit while they make a return to the ATC this spring. You can’t beat one stop shopping such as Art, jewelry, paper and home goods, clothing, accessories and so much more.

Bin 201 Movie Sundays

I am particularly excited for this creative series of events sponsored by Bin 201. Every Sunday, starting March 15th, Bin 201 will show a matinee with a complimentary wine tasting. Classics such as the Wizard of Oz and West Side Story kick off this series in March. Reservations should be made in advance due to space. 

The Annapolis Town Center has made it so easy to fill your days with exciting spring activities. Perhaps I’ll see you there this spring taking advantage of all there is to do and see. 

 

Blog by Aimee Lubin.

Annapolis Town Center is open and welcoming guests, though individual store hours may have changed due to COVID-19.  Our shopping center is closely monitoring reports and recommendations from all local, state, federal, and international health agencies.

We are taking all reasonable steps to protect our guests and our merchants, and we are committed to supporting the operations of our retailers.  We recognize that, in light of concerns surrounding COVID-19, retailers and merchants may implement their own corporate policies regarding modified hours or temporary store closures. We encourage you to check with individual retailers to confirm their hours of operation.

View retailer contact information HERE.

Like so many organizations in our community, we have come to understand that it is best to be proactive and cautious about group gatherings.  Our teams are actively monitoring the evolving situation and have implemented heightened sanitation measures that align with the recommendations set forth by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In order to alleviate any concerns our guests may have around visiting the Town Center and to ensure we are doing all that we can, additional precautions are being enacted, using high-grade disinfectants and increased touch-point cleaning throughout the property.

As this situation evolves, we promise to continue relying on the guidance from government agencies to determine our best course of action. Should the situation change at any time, we will alert you immediately.

Safety and security are key priorities for Annapolis Town Center, and we have confidence that our retailers, their employees and our guests will continue to exercise caution and common sense in the weeks to come.

This is an unprecedented time in our country.  Let’s work together so that we can all stay healthy and happy.

We also recommend visiting these public health websites for regularly updated news and information on coronavirus:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

World Health Organization

Community Support

Annapolis Town Center is committed to making a difference during this challenging time. We invite you to Buy A Meal (whether take-out, delivery or even a gift card) at one of our participating restaurants and we’ll Give A Meal to students in need by donating a percentage of the sales to Anne Arundel County Public Schools, benefiting their student lunch program. More info: https://annapolistowncenter.com/2020/03/buy-a-meal-give-a-meal/

Lunch is the most versatile meal of the day because it spans the spectrum of foods and the sizes of servings.  Lunch is also the most neglected meal, often skipped because people don’t want to take the time to stop and eat while shopping or running errands.  But when your shopping or errands take you to or near Annapolis Town Center, lunch is easy.  You can’t go wrong with any of the dozen or so options, plentiful free parking, and convenient to-go options.

Lunch at ATC

Image courtesy of Giollitti.

Hungry for Italian?  Try Giollitti Fine Italian Market & Delicatessen. The Giolitti family opened its first dairy shop in Rome in 1889, and it is still going strong.  Mary and Gene Giolitti moved to Annapolis and opened Giolitti in 1992.  The lunch menu shows off the restaurant’s outstanding Italian cuisine at reasonable prices.  Look for daily and weekly specials! They are currently open every day for carryout from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Lunch at ATC

Beer at Gordon Biersch, courtesy of the author.

Hungry for a relaxed lunch with great food and adult beverages?  Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant started in California over twenty years ago as a dream of bringing together fresh, handcrafted beer and made-from-scratch, world class cuisine. Gordon Biersch in ATC fulfills the dream and offers an American version of a German beer hall’s warmth and cheer (“gemütlichkeit”).  Join the Rewards Program for even more ways to enjoy Gordon Biersch.   Grab your favorites via delivery!

Lunch at ATC

Entry to Paladar, courtesy of Paladar.

Paladar Latin Kitchen & Rum Bar, a fun Latin American restaurant, features freshly prepared guacamole, slow-roasted and grilled meats, fresh seafood, and homemade salsas. Latin music sets the tone at the bar, which offers over 75 selections of rum and an excellent wine list.  On Taco Tuesdays margaritas are $5 and tacos are $3.50. They’re offering a drive-up ordering service, as well as delivery!

Need a place that has great food and an accommodating take out option? Try P.F. Chang’s. Their chefs hand-roll every dim sum, hand-chop and slice all vegetables and meats, scratch-cook every sauce, and wok-cook each dish. 

Lunch at ATC

P.F. Chang’s, courtesy of the author.

Crave some quick, delicious, and healthy food?  Zoe’s Kitchen specializes in simply delicious Mediterranean cuisine; Whole Foods offers a great selection ; Baltimore Coffee and Tea Company has counter service and wholesome food and beverages; Neo’s serves artisan pizza, gourmet paninis, fresh salads, small plates. 

Lunch at ATC

Courtesy of Whole Foods.

As you can see, no matter what’s for lunch, Annapolis Town Center is happy to provide it!

 

Written by Jane Green.

Whether it’s the first date, a special occasion or a weekly ritual, Annapolis Town Center provides fun, unique options that suit all budgets and interests for Annapolitan couples. The variety of bars, restaurants and shops (plus easy, ample parking) sets the mood and will quickly become your go-to spot for those romantic evenings.

Image courtesy of the author

Start with a Drink

Most of the restaurants offer a large bar area for a pre-dinner beverage, but a couple are definitely worth an early arrival, especially for happy hour. Paladar Rum Bar and Gordon Biersch Bar serve up a diverse selection and sociable vibe that brings people together. Wine tasting at Bin 201 and Cooper’s Hawk Tasting Room are also great starting points for a memorable date night.

Image courtesy of the author

Grab a Bite

Although you can extend your cocktail hour into dinner at Paladar, Gordon Biersch and Cooper’s Hawk, there are several other restaurants that provide different cuisines and ambiance. Enjoy the flavors of the orient at P.F. Chang’s or Ziki Japanese Steak House with mouthwatering dishes such as crispy honey chicken, sushi and hibachi – a date night favorite! For a more casual evening, NeoPizza is convenient, delicious and budget-friendly. Their unique pizza toppings, beer and wine menus easily elevate a simple meal out.

Image courtesy of the author

Roam the Shops

Annapolis Town Center offers several enticing stores to roam around in walking distance to the bars and restaurants pre or post dinner. In addition to the several high-end furniture stores such as Ethan Allen and Restoration Hardware, stroll hand-in-hand through Anthropologie and Lou Lou Boutique to browse and possibly treat your special someone. If your date night is a big success, Smyth Jewelers and Wren Bridal are also readily available!

Netflix and chill has nothing on a night out at Annapolis Town Center! Wine and dine your special someone with flavors from around the world in the comfort of your hometown.

 

New community gathering areas, art, events and tenants bring fresh vitality to iconic community destination

 

ANNAPOLIS, Maryland (Feb. 5, 2020) – A significant transformation is underway at Annapolis Town Center, the 659,158-square-foot outdoor mixed-use center in Annapolis, Md. Over the course of the last 16 months, the property has seen a number of strategic enhancements designed to add vitality and improve customer experience.

Among the changes are new community gathering areas with comfortable seating and fire pits, as well as the addition of murals by local artists throughout the center. In addition to aesthetic improvements, the property also launched new event programming throughout 2019, including Fall Fest, Fire & Ice, and Santa’s Cottage, providing the Annapolis community new opportunities to make memories with families and friends.

On the leasing front, new stores and restaurants are expanding to the already unique tenant mix. Home furnishings retailer Z Gallerie opened in January, and a new marquee restaurant – True Food Kitchen – will open later this year.

“Our new signature events and community-focused amenities have resulted in higher foot traffic to the property, attracting new brands excited about the property’s growing success,” said Anthony Henry, Annapolis Town Center General Manager. “It is our goal to create a variety of offerings and experiences that today’s consumer wants, whether it be through art, entertainment, dining or commerce. We have a lot in store for 2020 with new events planned and new businesses joining us. We are ready for a great year, and this is just the beginning.” 

Annapolis Town Center’s evolution is led by retail and mixed-use development, investment and institutional services firm, Trademark Property Company, which was hired to manage and reposition the property in October 2018. Since then, Trademark has spent time listening to the market as part of a visioning process that brings together experts in retail, design and placemaking to develop a strategic plan and vision for the property’s future.  Repositioning efforts will continue with additional enhancements, leasing efforts and community-centric experiences in the coming months.

About Trademark Property Company

Trademark Property Company is a full-service real estate firm focused on investments, development and institutional services of experiential, mixed-use and daily needs properties. In its years of business, Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark has invested in, developed or redeveloped 18 million square feet of retail and mixed-use assets worth $3.9 billion. Trademark’s experienced team of more than 180 employees is currently responsible for a 17-property portfolio totaling approximately 10.2 million square feet of retail and mixed-use projects across the country. A leader in navigating the changing retail landscape, Trademark’s purpose is to be extraordinary stewards, enhance communities and enrich lives. For more information, visit www.trademarkproperty.com or interact on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

A new decade is right around the corner! I don’t know about you but New Years Eve is one of my favorite nights of the year. NYE is going to be full of excitement for what is to come in 2020 and there is no better way to ring in the new year than with an incredible outfit and great company. Annapolis Towne Centre has you covered for all of your parties from Roaring 20’s themed to watching the ball drop at home with friends. I scoured Boutique Rowe for the most glitzy, sparkly, shiny pieces sure to impress at your New Years Eve party.

I started my search at South Moon Under and was pleasantly surprised at how many sequins I found throughout the store. I was like a kid in a candy store, there were so many options. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong as long as you sparkle it up. I love shopping in South Moon Under because they also carry the appropriate undergarments and shoes you may need. My favorite pieces I found included this amazing two piece glitter set and this colorful sequin mini dress. Layer your outfit with a faux fur coat for an elevated look or dress down a sparkle top with fun flare pants, jeans and a casual jacket. It completely depends on your plans!   

Next, I walked over to Scout and Molly’s, a boutique next to the Baltimore Coffee shop. As a boutique that carries small amounts of the most special stylish pieces you can find around Annapolis, they are a must stop along the way. I’m always impressed by the unique designers they have in the store. Currently, they have the most incredible hand made designer statement earrings that are sure to add flare to any of your outfits. I tried a few pairs on with some pretty metallic and glittery tops. One of my favorite items in this store were a pair of tailored bright red pants. They were perfectly festive and would look fabulous with almost any metallic top. Scout and Mollys is having a great sale right now including some jackets that could be a great addition to any NYE outfit.

Image courtesy of the author

Last on my tour was Anthropologie. If you have any 20’s themed parties to go to this New Year, this is a great place to start. They always have trendy, yet timeless pieces. In the back section of their store I found some fun sequin midi length skirts that can be paired with a unique top such as this feathery looking tank. Their headbands are always some of my favorite accessories and I found a few super cute metallic ones to add to your look. My favorite outfit of the day ended up being a comfortable yet super holiday appropriate sequin tee shirt dress from Anthropology. It can be worn with tights and boots or with heels and a long coat over top. 

Image courtesy of the author

I absolutely love going out with a big bang on December 31st each year. Especially wearing something extra fabulous that you are sure to find at Annapolis Towne Centre! 

 

Blog written by Stephanie Nielsen.